Season 1
Clara Barton & The Red Cross
Known as the founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton lived several lifetimes in her 90 years on earth. She was a nurse, abolitionist, and activist, always challenging norms and pushing the envelope. Join me this week as I dive into the history of Clara Barton.
Democracy in Darkness with Dr. Katlyn Carter
Joining me this week is Dr. Katlyn Carter who recently published her first book, Democracy in Darkness: Secrecy and Transparency in the Age of Revolutions. The book traces the history of the origins of government for both the United States and France and illuminates how the call for transparency in government did not always translate in practice. To read the Age of Revolutions blog, head to www.ageofrevolutions.com
The Massachusetts 54th
Depicted in the 1989 Hollywood feature film "Glory" the Massachusetts 54th was the first all black regiment to fight in the Civil War. Established in the aftermath of the Emancipation Proclamation, the members serving in the regiment had much riding on their perceived success. Join me this week as I dive into the history of the Massachusetts 54th.
Spying In the Civil War
Collecting intelligence against ones enemy has been a longstanding military practice. Commanders have long sought to ensure they have the most accurate information before heading to battle to maximize their effectiveness and the Civil War was no different. Join me this week as I dive into the history of spying during the Civil War.
It Begins: Fort Sumter
The election of Abraham Lincoln as the sixteenth president of the United States prompted states throughout the south to announce their desire to leave. Trying to maintain federal authority where it could, Lincoln entered office hoping to restock Fort Sumter, set in the bay of the Charleston Harbor. The first battle of the Civil War, Fort Sumter ignited what had been building for months. Join me this week as I dive into the battle of Fort Sumter. What happened? And why was Fort Sumter so imp…
Before the Movement with Dr. Dylan Penningroth
Joining me this week is Professor of Law and History, Dr. Dylan Penningroth. He recently wrote a book, Before the Movement, which traces how Black Americans used the legal system throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to practice their civil rights.
Dolly Parton
Happy Holidays! I could think of no better time to dive into the history of one of the most beloved entertainers in America. Longtime listener and friend Shaydra requested I cover Dolly early in my podcast journey. That request was renewed after Parton's recent performance during the halftime show between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders. A signer, actress, songwriter, and philanthropist, Dolly Parton has been breaking the mold for over five decades. Join me this week as …
Chaos: The Election of 1860
One of the most consequential elections in United States history, the election of 1860 was filled with drama. Third party candidates; a political party caving in on itself; concerns over what the nascent Republican Party would do if they won the White House. Join me this week as I dive into the election of 1860. How did Lincoln win the vote? And what does it have to do with the Civil War?
Abraham Lincoln: Part One
The sixteenth president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln is consistently ranked as one of the best presidents by historians. A man who oversaw the fracturing of the nation, Abraham Lincoln lived quite a life before ever stepping foot inside the White House. So much so that his life must be told over a number of episodes. Join me this week as I dive into Lincoln's early history. How did he get into law? Who was his first fiancé? Turn in to learn this and more.
Harpers Ferry
Often classified as a dress rehearsal for the Civil War, the raid on Harpers Ferry was a watershed moment in American History. Fully believing his purpose in life was to end slavery, John Brown put together an ambitious, and some would argue unattainable, plan to initiate a war pitting slaveholders against the men and women they held in bondage. While Brown's plan failed, the implications ricocheted throughout the country, further dividing the nation. Tune in this week to find out what …
The Mountain Meadows Massacre
As a group of settlers eagerly headed west in the throes of Manifest Destiny, they were being watched by a group who were convinced they posed a grave threat. Known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the murder of over one hundred settlers led to the excommunication of members of the Mormon Church and remained shrouded in mystery for generations. So what exactly happened? Tune in to find out.
Bonus: 2nd Annual Friendsgiving
Happy Thanksgiving week everyone! I am here with a BONUS episode to help you make it through your travel week. Last year, a group of us podcasters got together to chat history, podcasting, and everything in between. We had such a good time that we decided to do it again this year! Come learn all about Kenny from Abridged Presidential Histories, Howard from Plodding Through the Presidents, Jerry from the Presidencies of the United States, and me! Your local favorite podcast host. And…
Dred Scott
One of the most contentious Supreme Court decisions in United States history, Scott v. Sanford effectively robbed Black Americans of recognition as citizens. So just who was Dred Scott? And how did his court case impact the millions of Black Americans living in the country at the time? Tune in and find out.
James Buchanan
A president who consistently ranks toward the bottom of the list, James Buchanan made several missteps during his tenure that furthered the country toward war. How is that a man who spent his entire adult life striving for the highest political office could fail so tremendously? Tune in this week to find out.
Passionate Mothers, Powerful Sons with Dr. Charlotte Gray
Most history fans know at least the basics about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, two of the most prominent and influential political leaders of the twentieth century. Significantly less is known about the women who had the largest impact on their development: their mothers. In her recently published double biography, historian Charlotte Gray shines a light on Jennie Jerome Churchill and Sara Delano Roosevelt and provides readers with a new understanding of what role each mo…
The Trailside Killer
A man who stalked his victims along the serene trails of several California state parks, David Joseph Carpenter was a career criminal who arguably should have never been free to murder seven people in an eight month span between 1980 and 1981. This week, I am diving into the story of The Trailside Killer. What happened? And what does the Zodiac have to do with the case?
Mary Ann Shadd Cary
A woman who lived enough for several lifetimes, Mary Ann Shadd Cary was one of the loudest voices in support of Canadian emigration for Black Americans. Growing up in a household committed to racial justice, Shadd Cary spent her life turning words into action, becoming the first Black woman to launch a periodical in North America. But she also bucked societal norms, often alienating supporters and potential benefactors. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Mary Ann Shadd Cary.
Imperfect Spouse: Jane Pierce
The wife of fourteenth president Franklin Pierce, Jane Appleton Pierce often gets a bad rap. Seen as a woman who was unwilling to support her husband's political efforts, Jane Pierce definitely lacked excitement in serving in the position of First Lady. But she was also a woman who lived with chronic pain and suffered tremendous loss. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Jane Pierce. And when you are done, be sure to let me know where you fall: was Pierce a bad wife? Or simply a dam…
Franklin Pierce
Fourteenth President Franklin Pierce is frequently listed as one of the country's worst presidents by historians. A man who so desperately wished to keep his preferred political party intact, Pierce made questionable decisions that arguably pushed the country further towards war. So why does he get such a bad grade? Join me this week as I look at the life and presidency of Franklin Pierce.
The Rough Rider & The Professor with Laurence Jurdem
Joining me this week is Laurence Jurdem to discuss his newest book, The Rough Rider & the Professor: Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Cabot Lodge, and the Friendship that Changed American History. Dr. Jurdem is an Adjunct Professor of history at Fairfield University and Fordham College’s Lincoln Center campus. In this episode, we chat about the relationship between Lodge and Roosevelt and what their relationship tells us about politics during the Gilded Age & Progressive Era.
The Fillmore Women
Some presidential wives are more well known than others. Throughout the nineteenth century, there are a string of women who did not leave as lasting an impact to the role of First Lady or a voluminous set of journals and letters for historians to mine to craft a narrative of their lives. Abigail Powers Fillmore is one such presidential spouse. Even less is known about Fillmore's second wife, the wealthy widow Caroline McIntosh. Though the record may be scant, what we do know about Abigail Po…
Millard Fillmore
Join me this week as I dive into the life and career of Millard Fillmore. The second "accidental president," Fillmore ascended to the office after the passing of Zachary Taylor. The two men, who had no relationship before Taylor's death, proved to have very different opinions on the issue of the day. Fillmore is considered by many to be one of the worst presidents in history. Tune in to find out why.
James Baldwin - Part Two
Welcome back to James Baldwin - Part Two! Join me this week as I complete the story of Baldwin's life, including his ascension to the top of the literary world, his work during the Civil Rights Movement, and the legacy he left behind. Thanks again to Ethan for making such a wonderful request.
James Baldwin: Part One
I am back with another listener request! James Baldwin is one of the most well known authors of the twentieth century. Growing up in Harlem during the roaring twenties and depression riddled thirties, Baldwin knew from a young age he wanted to be a writer. But living with an overbearing stepfather made that dream something he had to fight for. Tune in this week as I dive into the first half of Baldwin's life including growing up in New York, his early introduction to the arts, and wh…